From fintech to space tech: Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt is betting on space solar
Feb 5, 2025
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Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood and founder of space solar startup Aetherflux, dives into his exciting transition from fintech to space tech. He discusses the groundbreaking concept of capturing solar energy from satellites, presenting a vision for a new energy grid. The conversation touches on the challenges of scaling this innovative technology and securing funding for a fleet of satellites. Plus, Bhatt shares a whimsically creative idea for a Burning Man light show, blending art and technology in an imaginative way.
Baiju Bhatt's shift from fintech to space tech reflects his desire to harness solar energy via satellites, leveraging past knowledge.
Aetherflux plans to attract funding by utilizing existing technologies to accelerate development and demonstrate space-based solar power viability.
Deep dives
Transition from Fintech to Space Energy
Beju Bhatt's transition from co-founding Robinhood to establishing Aetherflux is rooted in his lifelong passion for physics and the space industry, stemming from his father's background in physics and work with NASA. After studying physics at Stanford, Bhatt became inspired to pursue commercial space initiatives, motivated by the potential of space-based solar energy. The startup aims to leverage advancements in technology to transform the concept of solar power collection from space, which has been explored since the 1970s but never realized commercially. Bhatt's ambition is to create a constellation of satellites capable of collecting solar energy in low Earth orbit and transmitting it to Earth, marking a significant shift in renewable energy generation.
Innovative Solar Power Approach
Aetherflux's approach to space-based solar power emphasizes utilizing readily available technology rather than inventing new components, aiming to minimize costs and accelerate development. The plan includes lab testing and preparing for a significant demonstration of their technology within a year, indicating a strong commitment to rapid progress. Bhatt discusses the potential advantages of collecting solar energy from space, particularly its resilience to weather interruptions and continuous solar exposure. The ultimate goal is to enable the transmission of solar power to demanding locations such as military bases or remote regions, enhancing energy accessibility.
Future Funding and Commercial Opportunities
Funding is a crucial element for Aetherflux, especially given the ambitious goal of building a constellation of satellites, which requires significant investment. Initially bootstrapped, Bhatt recognizes the need for external investors to scale the project, particularly as the technology matures and demonstrations succeed. He believes the evolving commercial space ecosystem, driven by advancements in access to orbit, presents unique opportunities for innovative companies, expanding the possibilities beyond traditional applications. Bhatt encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to explore novel ventures in space, emphasizing the need for diverse ideas and approaches in an emerging industry.
As the interest in both space and solar grows, one startup aims to merge the two industries. By tapping into the momentum of the commercial space industry and the increasing demand for renewable energy, Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt is on a mission to make space-based solar power a reality with his latest startup: Aetherflux.
Today on Equity, Rebecca Bellan caught up with Bhatt to talk about his transition from fintech to deep tech and why he believes now is the right time to scatter solar power-collecting satellites across the skies.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about:
How Aetherflux approached funding as a bootstrapped startup (for now), and what investor interest in space-based solar looks like.
The challenge of scaling tech that’s literally out of this world.
And Bellan and Bhatt’s idea for a Burning Man light show.
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